For effective cross merchandising, which strategy is often applied?

Cross merchandising is a retail strategy that involves placing related items together to stimulate customer interest and enhance the shopping experience. By arranging complementary products in close proximity, customers are more likely to notice them and consider purchasing additional items that complement their primary purchase. For example, placing pasta next to pasta sauce encourages shoppers to buy both instead of just one item, increasing the overall sales and creating a more convenient shopping experience.

This strategy leverages the psychology of consumer behavior, where customers who see related items are more inclined to buy them because of the perceived connection between the products. It also helps promote lesser-known items that customers may not have initially considered, ultimately benefiting sales across the board.

Other strategies, such as grouping similar products or using discounts, can be effective in different ways, but they don't emphasize the curated relationship between products in the same manner as placing related items together does. Creating product bundles is another viable strategy, but it can involve packaging or pricing elements that are not as direct as simply placing items side by side for visibility and accessibility.